Why police are treating Mackay woman’s death as murder

Shocking details have come to light on the discovery of a woman’s body south of Mackay, revealing why detectives are treating the woman’s death as a homicide.

Further details have come to light on the discovery of a woman’s body south of Mackay, revealing why detectives are treating the woman’s death as a homicide.

A woman’s body, believed to be that of missing 31-year-old woman Rene Latimore, was found by police during a search operation at a rural Ilbilbie property on Sunday afternoon.

Further details on the grisly find have emerged, as The Courier-Mail understands the woman’s body was located with multiple physical restraints.

It’s understood police will investigate if restraints around the woman’s ankles and cable ties found around other parts of the woman’s body were placed on her before or after her death.

Koumala woman Rene Latimore was last seen alive at a home on Schirmer Road about 9am August 8. Picture: Queensland Police Media

While it’s also understood police are investigating if her body was transported to the location, about 2km from the home, following her death.

Police are yet to charge anyone over the incident, and will rely on DNA and medical evidence to formally identify the woman’s body as they continue to search the property for further information.

Police confirmed in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that despite an official DNA report, detectives believe the body to be that of 31-year-old Ms Latimore.

Ms Latimore, who has a teenage son, was reported missing from the Koumala area on August 18.

Police believe she was last seen alive over a week earlier - on August 9.

Mackay Detective Inspector Tom Armitt said it appeared the body had been on the property for “quite a period of time”.

The Ilbilbie property where Ms Latimore’s body was found. Picture: Daryl Wright

He urged anyone with information to contact police.

“We are appealing to members of the public that anyone who has had any contact with Rene Latimore in the lead up to her going missing, any conversations that they had, what the state of her mindset was at that particular point in time, any fears or concerns that she expressed to them, (or) any contact that (she) had made with them – it’s vitally important that we know,” he said.

“We really need to discover anybody who has had any contact with Rene Latimore leading up to her disappearance.”

Investigations are continuing, including an extensive forensic examination of the property and nearby areas.

Police are also appealing for anyone with relevant dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward.

Report any information to Police Link: 131 444

Or anonymously via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000